Ghana’s official in charge of diaspora affairs, Kofi Okyere-Darko, has expressed his discomfort with the term “Detty December” being associated with the country’s vibrant end-of-year festivities.

“On a personal level, I don’t want the word ‘detty’ to be associated with anything Ghana… that’s something I’m not very comfortable with,” Mr. Okyere-Darko stated, according to reports from the BBC at the Ghana Diaspora Summit in Accra.

The term “Detty,” a West African Pidgin expression for “dirty,” has become popular in describing the unrestrained enjoyment during the December holiday season in Ghana and Nigeria.

Despite the term’s prevalence, particularly among younger people, the government actively promotes “December in Ghana” as its official tourism campaign. Mr. Okyere-Darko emphasized that the government branding deliberately avoids “Detty December.”

“The young people somehow prefer ‘Detty December’, but officially, that’s not the name,” he reiterated.

He further noted that Ghana’s appeal extends beyond just the party atmosphere, recalling initiatives like Akwaaba UK that drew visitors even before the rise of “Detty December.”

Mr. Okyere-Darko welcomed suggestions for rebranding the season to maintain its appeal to younger audiences, even proposing the acronym “D.I.G.” – “December in Ghana” – with the catchy tagline, “Let’s dig it!”

The “Detty December” phrase gained traction around eight years ago following the launch of Nigerian musician Mr Eazi’s Detty Rave festival in Accra. This year, Accra is once again bustling with diasporan and international tourists, primarily from the US and Europe, aged between their early 20s and mid-40s.

The entertainment calendar is packed with events, including a recent performance by US hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes at the Rhythm and Brunch concert on Saturday. UK rapper Giggs is scheduled to perform at the Afro Paradise festival on December 31st. Ghanaian stars Samini, often hailed as the “godfather” of Ghanaian dancehall, and Reggie Rockstone are also set to feature in major events this month.

Ghana has been actively courting visitors from the African diaspora in recent years, notably with the launch of the “Year of Return” initiative in 2019, aimed at encouraging investment and cultural exchange. While the influx of tourists is largely seen as positive, some locals have voiced concerns about price increases, overcrowding, and traffic congestion during this peak season.

This year’s events signal a shift in focus for “December in Ghana,” expanding beyond solely partying to include investment seminars, networking opportunities, and cultural showcases designed to attract diaspora investment in sectors like property, minerals, fashion, and textiles.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE